UPSC CSE (IAS/IPS) 2026
The Union Public Service Commission will release the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 notification to recruit for India's most prestigious administrative posts. Graduates from any discipline can apply. Please review the new, highly strict photograph guidelines below before applying.
📌 Quick Summary
Organization
UPSC
Exam Name
Civil Services (CSE)
Expected Vacancy
1,050+ Posts
Eligibility
Bachelor's Degree
Age Limit
21 to 32 Years
Attempts (Gen)
6 Attempts
⭐ Top All India Services
- ✔ Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
- ✔ Indian Police Service (IPS)
- ✔ Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
🏢 Group 'A' Services
- ✔ Indian Revenue Service (IRS - IT & Customs)
- ✔ Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS)
- ✔ Indian Audit and Accounts Service
📅 Expected Dates (2026 Cycle)
| Official Notification out: | February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply: | March 2026 |
| UPSC Prelims Exam Date: | May 2026 |
📈 Past Prelims Cutoff (GS Paper 1)
Prelims cutoff is calculated ONLY out of 200 marks from GS Paper 1. CSAT is only qualifying (33%). Past trends:
General (UR)
75.41
OBC
74.75
EWS
68.02
SC
59.25
📝 Prelims Exam Pattern
| Paper | Questions | Marks | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS Paper I (General Studies) | 100 | 200 | Merit Deciding |
| GS Paper II (CSAT) | 80 | 200 | Qualifying (33%) |
Negative Marking: 1/3rd Mark deducted for every wrong answer
🚨 Avoid UPSC Form Rejection
UPSC has the strictest photo rules in India. Your Name and Date must be written on the photo. The photo must occupy 3/4th of the space, and must be exact pixels. Fix it below in 1 click.
UPSC Photograph
20 KB - 300 KB
Min 350x350 Pixels. Name/Date printed on it.
UPSC Signature
20 KB - 300 KB
Min 350x350 Pixels. Clear & legible.
📂 Documents Required for OTR & Apply
- ✓ Valid Photo ID (Aadhaar/PAN/Voter ID)
- ✓ PDF of Photo ID (20KB - 300KB)
- ✓ Graduation Certificate details
- ✓ Resized Photograph with Name/Date
- ✓ Resized Signature Image
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can final year students apply for UPSC CSE?
Yes, candidates appearing in their final year degree examination are eligible to take the Prelims, but must produce proof of passing for the Mains exam.
How many attempts are allowed?
General category gets 6 attempts. OBC gets 9 attempts. SC/ST have unlimited attempts up to the age limit.
Do I need to upload a PDF of my Aadhar Card?
Yes, UPSC requires you to upload a scanned PDF copy of the Photo ID you provide the number for (e.g., Aadhar Card) during form filling.